THE moment truth for four young stars of the Collyhurst and Moston Academy will arrive on Saturday 1 June, at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

Michael Gomez is scheduled to go 12 rounds with unbeaten West Ham prospect Kevin "Lippy" Lear in a final eliminator for the world super-featherweight championship.

"I'll flatten Gomez inside four rounds," boasted the aggressive West Ham boxer when told by his manager, Frank Moloney, that he would be meeting the British super-featherweight champion.

"Gomez is a spent force, ready for the taking, and I'll do the giving and he'll be the one taking."

What Lear forgets is that injury-free, clear of any distractions, fit and confident, there is no fighter better than the Collyhurst and Moston champion. And the club can testify he is in the peak of condition for this contest.

"Michael has had his problems, but who hasn't," said chief coach Brian Hughes. "People forget he is only 24.Of course he has been around a long time now but he has buckled down for this bout and I am confident that he will be as good, if not better, than he was when he annihilated Craig Docherty, the Scottish challenger.

"Michael has waited patiently for his attempt to win a world championship. He will not let this opportunity pass."

On-form Gomez looks brilliant. He has the moves of many of the great fighters from days gone by, and his bobbing, weaving and footwork are a connoisseur's delight.

The 24-year-old is undoubtedly one of Britain's most exciting fighters and never fails to give value for money. He knows how important this fight is for him.

"I have waited a long time to get a world title chance," Gomez said. "Check the records and you will see the other fighters have received their chances at winning world title without having to box eliminators. Me, I have to do it the hard way every time. Fighters have been knocked out and come back and fight for another world title, none of them had to fight eliminators.

"But don' worry, this only makes me more determined to succeed. Put your money on me, I will beat this cocky, loud-mouth Cockney."